Panthers offense played at slowest pace in the NFL last season

Panthers offense played at slowest pace in the NFL last season

According to Football Outsiders, the Carolina Panthers averaged 29.35 seconds per offensive play in 2017. That was even slower than what were formerly John Fox’s Chicago Bears and earned them the distinction of playing at the slowest pace in the NFL.

At the other end of the spectrum, Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers played at the fastest pace, averaging 25.58 seconds.

New offensive coordinator Norv Turner doesn’t need to go Full Chip Kelly with it, but picking up the pace a little could put more pressure on opposing defenses. Cam Newton should have the weapons this year to carry a more uptempo offense if that’s what Turner wants to do.

Of course, there’s always the big obstacle/question mark that is the left side of the Panthers offensive line. It’s tough to run a quick pace if the defense keeps pounding your quarterback, but if Newton’s left flank holds this offense could be special.